Linda Dahlstrom
Director of Storytelling
Starbucks
"Barbara Mantel is a terrific, talented and sharp journalist. When I was the health editor at NBC News Digital, I could ask her to write on a wide spectrum of topics, and she would always turn in exactly what I needed. She’s well connected with sources, who respond to her quickly because of her reputation. She writes stories in ways that resonate with readers, sometimes a tricky feat for stories about deep medical findings. Lastly, Barbara is a delight to edit and work with. She’s skilled and talented as a reporter and is also a lovely person."
Meredith Schwartz
Managing Editor
CQ Researcher
"Barbara has been a go-to health policy reporter for our publication for years, ably explaining the nuances of research and the real-world debates and applications it inspires to lay readers. She’s also been an asset to our editorial process: providing useful feedback to improve our workflow when asked, introducing freelancers she’s mentored, and offering to guide other new-to-us authors. And of course, she hits the basics that are the foundation of any successful editorial relationship: she delivers clean copy, she hits deadlines, she communicates proactively when something changes, and she is responsive to editorial feedback and queries. Simply put, a report Barb is assigned to is one I don’t have to worry about."
Perry Anne Norton
Founder
PanRight Productions
"Barbara has an impeccable work ethic, and her ability to search out what people ought to be talking about is unparalleled. She looks at stories from all possible angles, vetting each idea and her copy with the precision of a surgeon. In working with others, she is the consummate diplomat but firm in her resolve to defend a good story. I learned volumes when I worked for her at public radio’s Science Friday, where she was the senior editor and senior producer."